The simplest way for ACSPs to verify individuals

FAQs

How does Thirdfort's check meet Companies House requirements?

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'Option 1' in the guidance states that you need to use Identity Document Validation Technology, like Thirdfort, to verify biometric and cryptographic identity documents such as passports and driving licences. We do this via our secure app, which has verified more than two million people. This means that your client only needs to provide one identity document.

If you use 'option 2' your team will need to be trained in spotting fake and fraudulent documents, but this isn't the case when using Thirdfort as we automatically detect these documents and alert you in an easy-to-review report.

Our report contains all the information you will need to provide to Companies House -

1. document reference number, or equivalent

2. expiry date, if the document has one

3. country of issue, if the document has one.

You can download a copy of our report, enabling you to store this for the seven year period specified in the guidance.

Can Thirdfort validate the cryptographic features of an identity document?

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Our secure app can validate biometric and cryptographic features of identity documents, such as passports.

What is a cryptographic ID check?

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Some identity documents, such as UK passports, contain cryptographic security features which protect and hold the biometric information contained on the document. This is usually a small chip contained within the document that holds this information. Some ID checks, like our Enhanced NFC ID check, read the chip, extract the information it contains and validates that this has not be tampered with. The UK government considers this to be the most secure way to verify someone's identity, which is why they use it for passport control at major UK airports.

There are five easy steps involved in an ID check that reads information held cryptographically -

1. Your client scans MRZ zone on their ID document using their smartphone.

2. Your client places their phone on the ePassport. The UK has been issuing ePassports since 2006. As of December 2024, 174 jurisdictions issue ePassports.

3. We verify the digital signature and signing key from the chip instantly with the issuing government body.

4. Cutting-edge video tech uses the reflection of light from skin to confirm liveness and combat deep fake attacks. Advanced biometric analysis compares the client's face to the photo extracted from the ID.

5. We generate your ID verification report which contains the information you need to provide Companies House.

Does the system draw on multiple data sources?

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Thirdfort integrates leading data providers such as ReadID, iProov, Experian, Dun & Bradstreet and ComplyAdvantage. This enables us to identify and verify your clients using both positive and negative data sources. We combine these diverse data sources into a single, easy-to-understand report, making your assessment process faster.

Are there control mechanisms to ensure data quality and reliability?

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Thirdfort is committed to using only high-quality, reliable data. We partner with market-leading data providers to produce comprehensive, easy-to-interpret reports. You can read more about our data providers here.

Our commitment to quality and reliability is attested by our ISO9001 and Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework certifications.

Is the information accessible?

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The results of your checks are accessible to our clients in multiple formats, depending on how they would like to review them. The results are available via the secure Thirdfort portal, where you can also download a PDF, as well as via the API.

Does the system provide adequate evidence that the client is who they claim to be?

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Thirdfort's remote ID verification provides a high level of assurance that the person claiming a particular identity is, indeed, that individual. We use advanced biometric technology to verify your clients identities. By using this technology we answer three questions:

• Does the user match the image in their document?

• Is this person a human being and not a photo, a mask, or other presentation attack?

• Is the person authenticating themselves at the time of the check and not a video, deepfake, or other replay attack?

What support is available?

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We have a Trustpilot rated "excellent" UK-based support team on hand to help you and your clients navigate Thirdfort. You and your team will have access to support articles via the Thirdfort portal and you can speak to a member of our support team via live chat, email or phone.

If your clients do run into any problems our customer support team are on hand to help and can be contacted by your clients via the Thirdfort app, email or phone. Let us take questions from your clients away from your team.

Can you verify clients in bulk?

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Yes, if you need to verify or reverify a large number of clients quickly, we can work with you to process these in bulk.

How easy is it to identify and verify relevant directors and PSCs with Thirdfort?

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We offer one simple workflow for running due diligence on a corporate entity, then verifying key individuals for the purposes of Companies House. You can use the same workflow for anti-money laundering checks.

Do you charge for checks that aren't completed?

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No, we only charge for checks that are completed. Most of your clients will find it easy to complete their checks. But for those who are having difficulty we have an excellent support team on hand to help app users complete their checks. So you don't need to worry about guiding clients through their checks.